Limerick Entrepreneurs Selected for Axis Bic Programme

Three entrepreneurs with direct ties to the Limerick business ecosystem have been selected to participate in a high-level intensive program hosted by the business planning group Axis Bic, according to a report by the Limerick Leader. The participants—Dr. Rachel Power, Alex Chernenko, and Orla Connaughton—were among only 23 entrepreneurs chosen from a pool of more than 80 applicants for the Axis Bic Entrepreneurial Experience weekend held in Ballymaloe, Cork.

The Axis Bic Selection Impact:

Competitive Scarcity: Only 27.5% of applicants successfully secured a placement in the intensive 36-hour strategic networking and business planning program.
Sector Diversification: The cohort represents a cross-section of high-growth verticals, including specialized healthcare/wellness, data intelligence, and medical device consultancy.
Institutional Support: Participants gained direct access to veteran industry leadership, including food industry magnate Peaches Kemp, to refine business strategy and international scalability.

Strategic Scaling for Limerick-Based Ventures

The selection of these three individuals highlights a concentrated effort to move local specialized services into international markets. Axis Bic, a not-for-profit business and innovation organization established in 1989, focuses specifically on helping entrepreneurs develop innovative businesses with the capacity to attract investment and expand globally. This focus on scalability is critical in a macro environment where liquidity for early-stage ventures often depends on a company’s ability to demonstrate a clear path to international market penetration.

Dr. Rachel Power, a specialist in children’s care currently based at University Hospital Limerick, is leveraging clinical expertise to address a specific gap in the consumer wellness market. Her venture, codenamed ‘Calm and Free,’ focuses on developing skincare and wellness products specifically designed for babies and children with sensitive skin. The venture targets the consumer pain point identified by Dr. Power regarding the difficulty parents face when attempting to source everyday skincare products that meet high confidence and safety standards.

The expansion of such niche wellness brands often mirrors broader consumer shifts toward specialized, high-efficacy personal care products. For the average consumer, the success of these boutique brands can influence retail availability and pricing structures in the broader hygiene and wellness sectors.

Data Intelligence and Medical Consultancy Growth

The cohort also includes Alex Chernenko, a Ukrainian-born entrepreneur who has been based in Limerick since 2003. Chernenko’s latest venture, Vedi Intelligence, operates out of Upper Mallow Street and focuses on the high-demand sector of data structuring. The firm specializes in converting complex corporate data into single, structured profiles, a process essential for companies looking to optimize their digital assets and improve decision-making efficiency.

Chernenko’s involvement in the program follows his previous experience founding the translation firm Translit, suggesting a trajectory focused on scalable technology and data management. In an era of increasing data complexity, firms that can provide structured, actionable intelligence are positioned to capture significant market share from larger, less agile competitors.

Rounding out the Limerick-connected trio is Orla Connaughton, a consultant with a master’s degree in project management from the University of Limerick. Connaughton operates Aztec Medical, a consultancy firm designed to assist medical device businesses in the complex process of bringing new products to market. This sector is heavily influenced by regulatory frameworks and rigorous compliance standards, making specialized consultancy a vital component of the medical technology supply chain.

The Macro Importance of Entrepreneurial Connectivity

The theme of the Axis Bic weekend, “Trust and Connection,” underscores a fundamental truth in modern business mechanics: technical innovation alone is rarely sufficient for sustained growth. Success requires the integration of robust business strategy and high-level networking to navigate the complexities of capital acquisition and market entry.

For the broader economy, the movement of these entrepreneurs from local operations toward international expansion serves as a bellwether for regional economic health. When specialized firms in healthcare, data, and medical technology move through these types of institutional accelerators, they contribute to a more resilient, diversified local job market and increase the regional capacity for attracting foreign direct investment.

The primary question remains how these three distinct ventures will translate the 36 hours of intensive strategic planning into measurable EBITDA growth and market expansion in the coming fiscal quarters.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and market analysis purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Always consult with a certified financial professional before making investment decisions.

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